Bill Belichick and UNC lose highest-ranked 2027 commit amid bad start

Jeff Hauser

Bill Belichick and UNC lose highest-ranked 2027 commit amid bad start image

Less than three months after committing to Bill Belichick and North Carolina, four-star running back Amir Brown has decommitted from the programs, according to On3.  

The Rolesville (N.C.) native was one of the first future commits for Belichick, but had a change of heart after the Tar Heels' 2-3 start. His recruitment is now fully open with over 40 offers on the table. 

“I feel like [UNC] is home for me,” Brown told On3 last month. “I value loyalty over everything, so I don’t see myself going anywhere. I’m locked in with UNC right now." 

The funk in Chapel Hill has clearly altered Brown's future plans. Rumors have swirled about Belichick’s future with the program, leading many to believe he'll come to a buyout agreement with UNC. However, the legendary coach shot down any speculation saying he's fully committed to the program. 

The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder is the No. 333 overall prospect in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports. He also ranks as the nation’s No. 24 running back and No. 13 recruit in North Carolina. Brown had 1,732 yards from scrimmage with 25 total touchdowns over the past two season. 

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Jeff Hauser

Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.